KIPP University Trailblazers

"Team and Family" at KIPP is defined as the close grade-level peer group, which develops out of the shared experience of hard work – day in and day out. KIPP teachers help create this caring and supportive atmosphere. They carry school-issued cell phones in order to offer students help with homework or even how to cope with difficult issues after hours. Here are some of our KIPP Prep 9th grade students.

Rubi

Rubi wants to be a pediatrician. She is the eldest of 4 children—three of whom are KIPPsters.  Rubi’s parents believe that KIPP University Prep is the path she must travel to reach her goal. While having dinner with new KIPP principal, Rubi's father once again made a promise to his kids that he often makes. "I will do whatever it takes," he said looking into the eyes of his children, "to make sure you can get through college, even if that means working 3 jobs." Rubi knows that reaching her goal of becoming a pediatrician means taking her father’s work ethic and applying it to the books.

Adrais

Adrais is a 9th grader who sees KIPP as her ticket to college. Her belief is based in the changes she has seen taking place in her own life. "Since I’ve been at KIPP my grades and my personality have improved,"she says. "I am one of those people who like to go to school." Two years earlier, her brother,  Angel graduated from KIPP. "He always tells me stories about his KIPP teachers," Adrais says.

Derek

Derek is a ninth grader at KIPP University Prep High School.  His parents have seen him improve dramatically since he has been at KIPP. "His vocabulary has really increased," his mom says, and he has gotten closer with his older sister who is in high school because they help each other with their Math." Derek is happy at the new KIPP high school. He’s meeting new teachers, playing sports and getting ready for college one day at a time. "When I first started at KIPP it was very difficult," Derek recalls, but now through his work ethic and the support he's received from his peers, his KIPP teachers and his family, Derek is ready for college.

Cecilia

Cecilia and her parents have been very pleased with the KIPP program. "It has been great and wonderful for her," her mother says, reflecting on the changes she's seen take place in her daughter since arriving at KIPP. "She comes home and starts right on her homework." Given the results they’ve seen in their daughter from the KIPP program, Cecilia's parents are enthused with her prospects at a four year college or university.